xii Th e Networking Fundamentals text and accompanying resources will help you prepare for and pass the CompTIA Network+ Certifi cation Exam. You will learn about the foundations of computer networking, network media and devices, transmission methods, protocols, secu- rity, maintenance, and other important topics. Th ese are concepts that you will need to un- derstand not only for the certifi cation exam, but for your career as a networking professional. Each chapter in Networking Fundamentals begins with a set of learning outcomes. Th ese are the goals you should focus on accomplishing by the time you complete each chapter. For each outcome, there is a corresponding top-level heading, review question, and summary bullet point to help ensure you understand the topics covered in the chapter. Th ere is also a list of CompTIA Network+ Certifi cation Exam objectives listed at the beginning of each chapter that outline the CompTIA content that will be discussed. In addition to learning outcomes, the chapter-opening material also lists a set of key terms that will be discussed throughout the material. Th ese terms are printed in boldface when they appear in the content. Th is makes them easily distinguished from the rest of the text. Th ere are also important words or phrases printed in italic text to which you should pay special attention and consideration. Studying these terms will help you understand the material and better prepare you for your certifi cation and employment. Each chapter concludes with a summary of important points to remember, organized by level-one heading. Th is summary will help you review important topics from each section of the chapter. Following the suggested guidelines will help you make the most of your introduction to networking. ■ Read the outcomes listed in the chapter opener. Each outcome is tied directly to the headings within the content. In addition, they are repeated in the chapter summary and applied in the end-of-chapter review questions. Th e connection of outcomes throughout the content helps you focus and apply important information as you read each chapter. ■ Read the list of CompTIA objectives in the chapter-opening material. Th ese objectives are also called out in the margin with an icon where the material is covered. Use the list of objectives in the chapter opener as a checklist to take inventory of CompTIA standards you understand as well as information you need to review. Th e icons in the margins are there to direct you to the coverage of each objective for review. ■ Pay attention to the illustrations. Each illustration is strategically created to highlight important information. By studying these, you will extend your learning and improve retention and application of the content. ■ Read all Network+ Note, Tech Tip, and Caution features as you progress through the material. Th is information helps supplement your learning by highlighting study tips, providing useful industry information, and helping you ensure personal and machine safety when working with networking devices. ■ Review the summary at the end of each chapter. Th is will help you retain important information from the chapter. ■ Answer the review questions and sample Network+ questions in the end-of-chapter material. Th ese questions provide exposure to the types of questions likely to be on the CompTIA Network+ Certifi cation Exam. By practicing these questions, you increase your chances of successfully earning a Network+ certifi cation. How to Use this Text